Paramedics Exam Medical Emergencies and Obstetrics 5

Question 1

A 25-year-old female at 34 weeks presents with sudden severe headache, visual disturbances, and BP of 168/114, but no seizures. What is this condition?

Accepted Answer

Severe preeclampsia

Answer

Severe preeclampsia is characterized by BP ≥160/110 with symptoms like headache and visual changes, but without the seizures that define eclampsia.

Question 2

You respond to a call where a patient with asthma is sitting upright, has a respiratory rate of 34/min, is using accessory muscles, and can only speak 1-2 words at a time. SpO2 is 88%. How would you classify this exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Severe exacerbation

Answer

Severe asthma exacerbation is characterized by inability to speak full sentences, accessory muscle use, SpO2 <90%, and RR >30/min.

Question 3

A construction worker is found unresponsive after suspected carbon monoxide exposure. His skin appears cherry red. SpO2 reads 99%. What is the CORRECT interpretation?

Accepted Answer

SpO2 is falsely elevated due to carboxyhemoglobin

Answer

Pulse oximetry cannot differentiate oxyhemoglobin from carboxyhemoglobin, so it reads falsely high in CO poisoning — treat with 100% O2 regardless.

Question 4

A 19-year-old male with known sickle cell disease presents with severe bone pain in his lower extremities, fever of 38.8°C, and tachycardia. He is fully conscious. What is the prehospital priority?

Accepted Answer

Provide high-flow oxygen, IV fluids, and pain management

Answer

Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis is managed with oxygen, IV hydration to reduce blood viscosity, and analgesics for pain control.

Question 5

A newborn is delivered with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The infant is vigorous, crying, and has good muscle tone. What is the APPROPRIATE action?

Accepted Answer

Routine care without tracheal suctioning

Answer

Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines no longer recommend routine intubation for meconium if the infant is vigorous — provide routine care and observe.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Medical Emergencies and Obstetrics 5